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Summary:

In Vehicle Service Pros, Brian Channing highlights the reasoning behind the sudden increase in popularity of electric vehicles due to their positive environmental benefits. However, Channing provides three challenges repair shops face with electric vehicles (EV), with technicians lacking EV knowledge, correct repair tools, and impact on business models.

Reflection:

One of the few articles I have found which summarizes three solid struggles faced with the introduction of EVs in repair shops. While the descriptions of the struggles were brief, they were well worded which was easy to comprehend.

Citation:

Canning, Brian. “EVs and the Challenges Faced by Repair Shop Owners.” Vehicle Service Pros, Vehicle Service Pros, 3 Apr. 2023, www.vehicleservicepros.com/shop-operations/service-repair/article/53056191/evs-and-the-challenges-faced-by-repair-shop-owners.

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EVs and the challenges faced by repair shop owners

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As an industry, we have an opportunity to either dive in and get out in front of this or be overwhelmed by what is clearly here at our doorstep.

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Summary:

Within this article published by IMR Inc., they provide analytical data supporting the influx of EVs in repair shops around the U.S. While the data shows the influx of EVs, it also shows the majority of shops not able to support the services required for EVs.

Reflection:

While the article does not provide much worded explanations, it serves as a solid insight into the analytics of the influx of EVs. This was one of the few articles I have found backed by analytical data sheets supporting their claims.

Citation:

Bill. “Bev & Hev Repair and Service Impact at Auto Repair Shops 2022.” IMR, 3 Aug. 2022, www.automotiveresearch.com/insights/battery-electric-vehicle-hybrid-electric-vehicle-impact-auto-repair-shops-update-2022.

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Between July 4th and July 29th, 2022, IMR interviewed 5000 independent automotive repair shops, nationally representative by location in the U.S., to get insight into their service exposure to Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) vehicles. Additionally, the research gained insight into the shop's investment in tools/equipment and training for BEVs/HEVs, whether they market these service capabilities and their view of when they believe BEVs and HEVs will impact their business amongst other insights.

54.6% of independent repair shops indicate a portion of their business is from servicing battery electric vehicles. On average, 3.9% (or 4 of every 100 vehicles serviced) are BEVs. The Western region and Southern region reported having higher service percentages.

72% of independent repair shops indicate a portion of their business is from servicing hybrid electric vehicles. On average, 5.9% are HEVs. BEVs and HEVs account for less business for 1 - 3 bay shops (3.9% BEV; 4.3% HEV) versus larger 8+ bay shops (5.4% BEV; 7.7% HEV). Shops located in the Northeast (7.4%) report a higher percentage of business from HEVs than shops located in the West (5.4%).

Of the independent repair shops that service BEVs, over the past two years 95.6% have seen an increase in the number of those vehicles coming to their shop for service. Similarly, of shops that service HEVs, over the past two years, 95.6% have seen an increase in the number of those vehicles coming to their shop for service.

While these shops have seen increases in these vehicles coming in for service and repair, 57.5% do not actively market or advertise that their shop is specifically capable of servicing BEVs and HEVs. Shops with 1 to 3 bays tend to market that service capability less (15.2%) than their larger competitors (43.2%).

Amongst all independent repair shops, 42.4% have invested in tools/equipment to service BEVs/HEVs and 41.2% have invested in BEV/HEV training for their technicians.

When it comes to keeping up to date on industry trends on BEVs and HEVs, 56.2% of shops say that their primary supplier keeps them up to date.

Forty-seven percent of shops believe the increasing number of EVs and HEVs on the road will impact their business over the next two years; 38.2% do not and 14.6% don't know. Of the 38.2% that do not believe the increasing number of BEVs and HEVs on the road will impact their business in the next two years, 41.9% believe it'll take 10 years or longer to see an impact; 19.4% believe it will never impact their business.

Interested in Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) & Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market research?

Call 630-654-1079 or submit a contact form to find out how IMR research can help your business.

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The Importance of Private Label and National Branded Parts at Independent Auto Repair Shops
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2020 EOY Independent Automotive Repair Shop Health & Part Delivery Disruption Update
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Delayed Vehicle Maintenance | Q1 - Q2 2020
Challenges for Independent Repair Shops and Technicians the Remainder of 2020 (COVID-19 Update)
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Automotive Aftermarket, BEV, BEV/HEV Independent Repair Shop Trends, BEV/HEV Service Advertising, BEV/HEV Service Training, BEV/HEV Service Trends, electric vehicles, HEV, hybrid vehicles, Independent repair shops

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Related Insights

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BEV & HEV Repair and Service Impact at Auto Repair Shops 2022

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2022 Update: Battery Electric Vehicles & Hybrid Electric Vehicles service exposure impact on 5,000 independent auto repair shops. See data.

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Summary:

Allied Incorporated wrote this helpful article providing repair shops and their technicians with tips by a list of different accommodations suggested they should make in their shops. The article suggests numerous ways to help prepare a repair shop for the transition to EVs with related training and tools to increase success with the transition.

Reflection:

This is one of the few articles I have found which provides a specific list of tools and training to help ease repair shops into the transition to EV servicing. The article does a great job listing specific tools and even suggests different brands to help repair shops jumpstart their success in their EV servicing.

Citation:

Alliedinc. “Electric Vehicle Servicing: Preparing Your Shop for the EV Transition.” Allied Inc, 6 Aug. 2024, www.alliedequip.com/guide-to-transitioning-to-electric-vehicle-servicing/.

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Electric Vehicle Servicing: Preparing Your Shop for the EV Transition

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Are you planning to offer electric vehicle servicing in the near future? Read this guide to learn more about what equipment you’ll need and more.

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Summary:

Benjamin Preston discusses the positives consumers are introduced with by owning EVs. These positives such as fewer moving parts to repair and lowered fueling costs help repair shops and technicians understand the reasoning behind customers bringing EVs into their shops.

Reflection:

While the article is focused more on the consumer, it can further help repair shop owners and technicians understand the recent influx of EVs. Also, Preston helps foreshadow increasing sales of EVs by underlining the benefits to consumers which can help inform repair shop owners of increased EVs in the near future.

Citation:

Preston, Benjamin. “Pay Less for Vehicle Maintenance with an EV.” Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/pay-less-for-vehicle-maintenance-with-an-ev/#:~:text=New%20research%20from%20Consumer%20Reports%20shows%20that%20pure,less%20to%20repair%20than%20the%20average%20gas-powered%20vehicle.?msockid=0a802b6e2c826b133db73f842d866ad2. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.

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Pay Less for Vehicle Maintenance With an EV

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New research from Consumer Reports shows that you can pay less for vehicle maintenance with an EV. Pure electric vehicles, which have fewer moving parts, need less maintenance and generally cost less to repair than the average gas-powered vehicle.

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Summary:

In this article, Lingeman emphasizes the need for specialty parts strictly used on EVs. These specific parts are a scarcity within the automotive industry as they are limited production and pertain to only specific EV models.

Reflection:

The article does a solid job to inform shop owners and technicians on the various EV only parts which are difficult to obtain due to limited quantity. Lingeman provides the reader with key main vehicle parts which are different from their gasoline vehicle counterpart, by doing this it does an exceptional job explaining to technicians who haven't experienced working on an EV before.

Citation:

Lingeman, Jake. “Electric Vehicles Adoption Creates a New Need for Specialty Parts.” Newsweek, Newsweek, 7 June 2023, www.newsweek.com/electric-vehicle-adoption-creates-new-need-specialty-parts-1804544.

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Electric vehicles adoption creates a new need for specialty parts

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New electric vehicles require new types of replacement and aftermarket parts.

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Summary:

Jones lists some common problems with EVs, ultimately telling the reader that EVs are becoming more efficient and technologically advanced, but challenges like range anxiety, material intensity, fire risks, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities still need to urgently be addressed.

Reflection:

While the ongoing progress in EV technology is efficient, it’s clear that there are still significant hurdles to overcome before they can replace conventional vehicles in the U.S. The improvement in battery technology, safety measures, and cybersecurity are steps in the right direction. However, it’s essential for EV manufacturers to continue addressing these critical issues to ensure consumer and automotive technician safety.

Citation:

Jones, Peter. “Problems with Electric Vehicles: 11 Known Issues (Explained).” Motor & Wheels, Motor & Wheels, 19 Oct. 2023, motorandwheels.com/problems-electric-vehicles-cars/#:~:text=EV%20fires%20are%20notoriously.

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Problems With Electric Vehicles: 11 Known Issues (Explained) – Motor & Wheels

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Many countries around the world are making and implementing policies banning gas-powered vehicles in the near future as a step to reduce damage to the climate. Below you’ll find 11 common issues with electric vehicles and how to overcome them. 1. Driving Range Electric vehicles are getting more efficient motors and quicker charging speeds by […]

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Reshaping the Automotive Repair Industry

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Reshaping the Automotive Repair Industry

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Summary:

This CBS News article highlights the impacts of the shift to EVs in the U.S., which is driven by government officials and major manufacturers, and is ultimately expected to reduce the need for traditional auto repairs due to fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs. However, this transition poses challenges for majority of auto technicians (especially ones who are older), who will need retraining to handle EV-specific systems and components.

Reflection:

As the automotive industry’s move towards EVs reshapes the life for technicians, it also emphasizes the need for continuous education and adaptation. This is difficult for the technicians who are years into the trade, as majority of them are unwilling to completely change their skillset. Finally, while this change may reduce some traditional repair opportunities, it also opens new pathways for those willing to embrace the evolving technology.

Citation:

Korte, Cara. “The Future of the Auto Industry Is Electric. Will Mechanics Be out of Work?” CBS News, CBS Interactive, www.cbsnews.com/news/auto-industry-future-electric-will-mechanics-be-out-of-work/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

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The future of the American auto industry is electric - President Joe Biden has committed to making two-thirds of all new cars in the U.S. electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032, and major manufacturers, including General Motors, have announced that they'll stop making internal combustion engine vehicles entirely by 2035. This evolution won't just affect drivers, but also the mechanics who fix the next generation of cars.

Fewer parts to fix on EVs means lower maintenance

"[Electric vehicles are] going to starve a lot of people out of this industry," predicted Sam Cicinelli, a former automotive technician and union official for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

In large part, that's because EVs tend to need much less repair. According to AAA, traditional vehicles on average cost $949 a year to maintain, while electric vehicles cost $330 less.

There are fewer parts to fix on an EV. A car with an internal combustion engine is made up of 33,000 moving parts, but an EV has just 13,000. EVs don't have oil to change or oil filters to replace. And there are no cooling systems to keep an engine from overheating, since there's no engine. EV brakes still need to be replaced, but not as often as traditional cars.

What happens to jobs for auto mechanics?

In the short term, not much is happening to these jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts "little or no change" from 2021 to 2031 for automotive service technicians.

But change is coming. The bureau offers no hope for growth in this specific field, predicting that there won't be many new openings - most of the vacancies will be to replace workers leaving the industry. The "increasing prevalence of electric vehicles," it says, "may limit future demand" for mechanics.

California, the state with the largest number of automotive technicians and 39% of all EVs in the U.S, has begun to see the effects of EVs on these jobs. Since 2014, the number of licensed independent auto shops in the state has dropped by more than 13%.

Longer warranties on EVs

Dave Kusa, owner of AutoTrend Diagnostics in Campbell, Calif., said shops are going out of business not just because EVs create fewer service opportunities, but also because they're sold with hefty warranties.

A Ford F-150, the most popular car in the U.S., comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. Thanks to federal law, new electric vehicles come with an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty specifically for the battery, which costs $4,000 to $20,000 to replace. This means EV owners fix their cars at dealerships, not at independent shops.

Retooling the trade

Electric vehicles need some of the same maintenance as internal combustion engine cars, like replacing transmission fluid and rotating the tires, but the majority of the service on EVs requires an understanding of computer programming more than nuts and bolts - meaning mechanics will need to be retrained.

And not all industry veterans are willing to go along for the ride to an EV future.

"A lot of people are resistant to change because they have to learn a whole new skill set," said David Favre, dean of transportation at Wake Tech, North Carolina's largest community college.

"Older technicians are just not that interested in making that change and retooling their toolbox," he added.

Wake Tech is a part of the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, a group of high schools, community colleges and trade schools based out of West Virginia University working to help students train for a green economy.

Favre says an introduction to electric vehicles class is now mandatory for all transportation students at Wake Tech, and about 1 in 4 choose to continue EV-specific training.

Students with EV training are highly sought after, usually by EV manufacturers, said Trina Wafle, the training consortium's interim director.

These highly skilled workers are often paid more than traditional technicians, which Wafle hopes will attract young people who want to work in tech in green jobs; especially women who are traditionally far outnumbered in the field.

Still, Favre said while the consortium is seeing young people gravitate toward EVs, internal combustion cars will still be on the roads and needing repairs for decades to come.

Protecting the Planet: Climate Change News & Features
More

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The future of the auto industry is electric. Will mechanics be out of work?

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By 2032, two-thirds of new cars on America's roads will be electric. Here's what the EV evolution of the auto industry means for mechanics.

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Summary:

The article highlights a mechanic's need for specialized training to safely handle an EV's high voltage system, regenerative braking, and the unique tire requirements of electric vehicles. This in turn requires proper education, and protective measures which are crucial to prevent injuries and ensure effective EV maintenance.

Reflection:

The article explains the shift towards EVs which is transforming the automotive industry, further highlighting the importance of continuous learning for mechanics. However, embracing these changes not only enhances safety, but also ensures that mechanics can provide high-quality service in this evolving automotive landscape.

Citation:

Atc. “3 Common Challenges in EV Repairs Explained.” Automotive Training Centre, 7 May 2024, www.autotrainingcentre.com/blog/3-common-challenges-ev-repairs-hybrid-electric-vehicle-mechanic/.

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3 Common Challenges in EV Repairs Explained

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Professionals should undergo hybrid and electrical mechanic training to ensure that they know their way around an electric vehicle. Here are a few reasons.